I really am not sure how to start this post to be honest, but I want to share with the world how very proud I am to be a diabetic, especially after Camp AZDA, which is a wonderful camp that I am truly blessed to be a part of.
Camp AZDA is an eight day long camp for children with juvenile diabetes, in Prescott, AZ every Summer in June.
Now, being as I was only diagnosed with diabetes when I was 17, I never got the opportunity to attend as a camper, which I think is a shame, because of what an amazing experience it is for the campers and for the diabetic counselors. This year was my second year as a diabetic counselor, and I hope I get to come back for years to come, because not only do I get to affect these campers lives in some way, but they get to inspire me too. I don’t go for myself, I go for the kids, and I am willing to make a fool of myself, or do things I wouldn’t normally do, just so the kids can have a fun time, and I have a blast while doing it!
The camp has various activities, and you are with your campers throughout the whole experience, whether it is water skiing, horseback riding, or making hemp bracelets, the fun never seems to end!
I had a camper tell me this year that “diabetes camp is so fun, I forget I have diabetes!” and it really touched me, I even teared up a little, becuase I dont think all of the diabetic counselors realize how much we really mean to these kids, to be honest I don’t think I even really realized it until I got home.
Another amazing aspect would be the friendships I have made with other adult Type Ones, like myself. Not only do you make strong bonds with your campers, but with the other D.C.s as well, and these are friendships I know I will have for years to come, because we are all connected by this crazy disease. Type one can be a very lonely disease, that is why I am so glad I found these people, I don’t know what I would do without them, because no one else in my family has type one. I don’t even know how to describe the love I feel for all of these people, to be honest they are like my second family and I would do anything for them, because I know they would do the same for me.
It was really an awesome week, and I am still on a high from it, however then post-camp depression has hit, and I can’t wait until next year! In the mean time I know I will see the other D.C.s, because I know we can’t stand to be apart! 
I guess what I am trying to say is that diabetes camp it really a great thing, and I think all young diabetics should go at least once in their life.
Oh and please visit www.betic-army.com 